Sophisticated Ladies 1981 - Articles Page 2

Opened: March 1, 1981
Closing: January 02, 1983

Sophisticated Ladies - 1981 - Broadway History , Info & More

Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (Broadway)
205 West 46th St. New York, NY

The musical legacy of Duke Ellington, considered amongst the world's greatest composers and musicians, is celebrated in this stylish and brassy retrospective that has taken audiences and critics alike by storm throughout the world. Memorable music and incredible dancing transport you into the Grand Duke's world. Sophisticated Ladies is a glorious recreation of the Duke Ellington big band sound, featuring his most famous numbers from the infamous speakeasy era of the Cotton Club, the Harlem Renaissance, art deco, and high society, including:



"It Don't Mean a Thing, If It Ain't Got That Swing," "Take the 'A' Train," "Satin Doll," and the haunting "In a Sentimental Mood." This is the eye-­?popping, foot-­?stomping, Tony Award-­?winning musical extravaganza that will send you into jazz heaven. It's an unforgettable celebration of the genius of Duke Ellington, brought to vibrant life with amazing talent, a sensational big band orchestra, sparkling staging, and all the lights and colors of Broadway!

Sophisticated Ladies - 1981 - Broadway Cast

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Sophisticated Ladies - 1981 - Broadway Articles Page 2

PTAMD Honors Donald McKayle With A Free Memorial Performance During The 2019 Season
by Julie Musbach - Aug 8, 2019


Paul Taylor American Modern Dance (PTAMD) returns to Lincoln Center for its annual Season at the David H. Koch Theater from October 29 to November 17, featuring the Paul Taylor Dance Company (PTDC). Paul Taylor: Celebrate the Dancemaker honors the legacy of founder Paul Taylor, who died in 2018. 

BWW Review: MSMT Launches 61st Season with Duke Ellington Extravaganza
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 7, 2019


So what does a theatre company do to keep its momentum and even up the ante after a 60th anniversary season that broke all records? Why not hire three choreographers, fourteen virtuoso singer-dancers, and an eleven-piece big band orchestra, to mount the largest dance show in its history that celebrates the music of one of America's immortal musical geniuses, Duke Ellington? That is precisely what Maine State Music Theatre has done in its 2019 season opener with its sensational all-singing, all-dancing, visually opulent extravaganza, SOPHISTICATED LADIES, that is currently blowing the roof off the Pickard with its high-octane visceral energy, heady joy, and pure lyrical magic.

Fulton Theatre Presents SOPHISTICATED LADIES And THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 24, 2019


The nationally regarded Fulton Theatre, in association with Maine State Music Theatre is proud to present the dance and music-filled Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies, May 2 through May 25, with Previews April 30 and May 1. Three acclaimed choreographers, Broadway's Mark Stuart, Broadway's Kenny Ingram and Lancaster's own Marc Robin, have joined to make this one memorable celebration! 

Photo Flash: Andre De Shields Celebrates Closing Night Of SOPHISTICATED LADIES
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 25, 2019


On his day off from appearing as Hermes in the Broadway production of Anais Mitchell's Hadestown at the Walter Kerr Theatre, two-time Tony nominee and Emmy winner Andre De Shields headed to the Victoria Theater at NJPAC in Newark to celebrate his company of fabulous singers and dancers under his direction in the Crossroads Theatre Company and NJPAC's co-production of Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies. Scroll down for photos from the party.

BWW Review: DUKE ELLINGTON'S SOPHISTICATED LADIES at NJPAC
by Matthew Michaels - Mar 22, 2019


The jazz king of Harlem is alive and well in Newark, New Jersey. In honor of the 120th anniversary of his birth next month, Crossroads Theater Company and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center have co-produced a short run of DUKE ELLINGTON'S SOPHISTICATED LADIES. The musical revue, which originally made its way to Broadway in 1981, includes all of Ellington's best-known standards, including 'In A Sentimental Mood,' 'I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good,' and 'Mood Indigo.' This collaborative production at NJPAC is directed by Andre De Shields.

Photo Flash: Nat Adderley, Jr. Joins NJPAC And Crossroads Theatre Co-production Of SOPHISTICATED LADIES As Musical Director
by Stephi Wild - Mar 10, 2019


Two-time Tony nominee and Emmy winner Andre De Shields, currently in rehearsal for the Broadway production of Anais Mitchell's Hadestown, is simultaneously at the helm of Crossroads Theatre Company and New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)'s co-production of Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies at NJPAC, 1 Center Street in Newark, Thursday, March 21 - Sunday, March 24, 2019. Click here to purchase tickets.

NJPAC And Crossroads Theatre Company Present Duke Ellington's SOPHISTICATED LADIES
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 7, 2019


Andr De Shields directs this high-stepping revival for the 21st century, starring a dazzling cast of Broadway talent and featuring an onstage band well-versed in Duke's greatest music at New Jersey Performing Arts Center 1 Center Street, Newark NJ Victoria Theater $69 - $89

Photo Flash: Chatting With Director Andre De Shields In The SOPHISTICATED LADIES Rehearsal Room
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2019


Crossroads Theatre Company and New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) are presenting a co-production of Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies at NJPAC, 1 Center Street in Newark, Thursday, March 21 - Sunday, March 24, 2019. Click here to purchase tickets.

George Abud & Katrina Lenk, Laura Osnes, and More Head Up Birdland in March
by Julie Musbach - Feb 15, 2019


Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts

BroadwayHD Releases Streaming Playlist of Theatre Greats for Black History Month!
by Paul Smith - Feb 5, 2019


In time for Black History Month, BroadwayHD, the premiere streaming service for live theater in the US and countries across the globe, has pulled together a special playlist that honors African Americans on the stage. From Audra McDonald as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, to Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies, and the galvanizing drama Pipeline, by award-winning playwright Dominique Morriseau, BroadwayHD presents this month hours of exciting theater celebrating the writing, performances, and music of some of the most talented individuals to ever appear on the stage.

NJPAC Presents Duke Ellington's SOPHISTICATED LADIES
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 13, 2018


New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies starting Thursday, March 21, 2019 - Saturday, March 23, 2019.

Birdland Announces August 2018 Schedule
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 16, 2018


Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:

Kravis Center Announces Lineup of Shows, Concerts and Special Events in March and April
by Stephi Wild - Feb 15, 2018


The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is once again offering audience members a dazzling, star-packed lineup of amazing shows, memorable concerts, insightful lectures and very special events during the months of March and April.

Cent Stage Co. Kicks Off New Year with Annual Thaw Music Festival
by Julie Musbach - Jan 5, 2018


Centenary Stage Company kicks off the New Year and the annual January Thaw Music Festival on Sunday, January 14 at 2 pm in the Lackland Performing Arts Center with Freda Payne: A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald.

Centenary Stage Co. presents Freda Payne in A TRIBUTE TO ELLA FITZGERALD
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 12, 2017


The multi-talented Freda Payne best known for her singing career, as well as, her No. 1 hit 1970 pop anthem, Band of Gold has toured the world in concerts, theater performances, one woman shows, as well as, appearances in films and television, briefly hosting her own TV talk show. Freda Payne: A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, celebrates Ella Fitzgerald's 60+ year career from her 1934 award winning Apollo Theater debut and through her celebrated career as a vocalist.

Brenda Braxton Leads Industry Reading of NYMF Musical TRAV'LIN Today
by BWW News Desk - Sep 28, 2017


Trav'lin - The 1930s Harlem Musical comes home to New York City for an invite-only industry reading featuring Brenda Braxton, who starred in the sold-out debut production at the New York Musical Festival (NYMF) in 2010.

Waldorf Astoria Beijing Announces Annual Charity Ball 2017
by BWW News Desk - Sep 22, 2017


Waldorf Astoria Beijing presents the Waldorf Astoria Beijing Annual Charity Ball on October 28, 2017. Inviting ladies and gentlemen to witness the ebb and flow of the passing of time and be transported from the gilded age of old New York to the bustling 21st century that is the new Beijing.

Brenda Braxton to Lead Industry Reading of NYMF Musical TRAV'LIN
by BWW News Desk - Sep 20, 2017


Trav'lin - The 1930s Harlem Musical comes home to New York City for an invite-only industry reading featuring Brenda Braxton, who starred in the sold-out debut production at the New York Musical Festival (NYMF) in 2010.

Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz's BE MORE CHILL Musical to be Licensed by R&H Theatricals
by BWW News Desk - Jul 20, 2017


BE MORE CHILL - the new musical with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis, book by Joe Tracz, and based on the novel by Ned Vizzini - will be licensed by R&H Theatricals, a division of Rodgers & Hammerstein.

Watch Award-Winning Shows on BroadwayHD and Vote for the Theater Fans' Choice Awards
by BWW Special Coverage - May 26, 2017


As the Tony Awards approach, and New York's other prestigious awards are being handed out, what better time to dive into some of Broadway's best productions ever captured on film. In BroadwayHD's vast library, they have countless award-winning productions ready to stream.  We have pulled together some of our favorites below. Check them out and don't forget to vote in the 15th Annual Theater Fans' Choice Awards. After you have voted for your favorite shows, designs, and performances of the season, you will receive a code for one free month of BroadwayHD as a thank you. 

Connecticut Premiere of TRAV'LIN Opens this Weekend
by A.A. Cristi - May 10, 2017


The Connecticut premiere of Trav'lin - The 1930s Harlem Musical opens this weekend at Waterbury's Seven Angels Theatre, following productions at Houston's Ensemble Theatre and Fort Worth's Jubilee Theatre, and development in Washington, D.C. and New York City, including a sold-out run at the New York Musical Festival (NYMF).  Performances being Thursday, May 11, Official Opening is Saturday, May 13, and the show runs through Sunday, June 11, 2017.

'SYLVESTER' and 'PHYLLIS HYMAN' to Play The Gramercy This Month
by BWW News Desk - May 9, 2017


A friendly reminder! AnthonyKen LLC and Sheryl Lee Ralph / The Diva Foundation will present the two hit biographical musicals MIGHTY REAL: A FABULOUS SYLVESTER MUSICAL and AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN together for one weekend only at The Gramercy Theater (127 East 23rd Street) this May.

TRAV'LIN Musical to Make Connecticut Debut at Seven Angels Theatre
by BWW News Desk - May 4, 2017


Following productions at Houston's Ensemble Theatre and Fort Worth's Jubilee Theatre, and development in New York City and Washington, D.C., including a sold-out run at the New York Musical Festival (NYMF), Trav'lin - The 1930s Harlem Musical receives its Connecticut Premiere at Waterbury's Seven Angels Theatre, beginning Thursday, May 11, 2017. Opening Night is Saturday, May 13, and the show runs through Sunday, June 11, 2017.

'MIGHTY REAL' and 'PHYLLIS HYMAN' Come Together for a Spring Weekend at The Gramercy Theater
by BWW News Desk - Mar 27, 2017


AnthonyKen LLC will present their two hit biographical musicals MIGHTY REAL: A FABULOUS SYLVESTER MUSICAL and AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN together for one weekend only at The Gramercy Theater (127 East 23rd Street) this May.

Photo Flash: First Look at Jacqueline B. Arnold in AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN Off-Broadway
by BWW News Desk - Feb 1, 2017


AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN, a world premiere musical the creators of the Broadway bound musical Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical, will play the final performances of its limited engagement this weekend, with shows on Saturday, February 4 at 8 pm and Sunday February 5 at 2 & 7 PM. AN EVENING WITH PHYLLIS HYMAN is performed at The Actor's Temple Theatre (339 West 47th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues). Scroll down for a first look at Jacqueline B. Arnold onstage!

Sophisticated Ladies FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Sophisticated Ladies have there been?
Sophisticated Ladies has had 3 productions including Broadway which opened in 1981, Broadway which opened in 1981 and US Tour which opened in 1982.
What Tony Awards has Sophisticated Ladies been nominated for?
Best Musical , , Best Choreography for Henry le Tan, Best Choreography for Donald McKayle, Best Choreography for Michael Smuin, Best Costume Design for Willa KimBest Direction of a Musical for Michael Smuin and Best Lighting Design for Jennifer Tipton.
What Tony Awards has Sophisticated Ladies won?
Best Choreography for Henry le Tan, Best Choreography for Donald McKayle, Best Choreography for Michael Smuin, Best Costume Design for Willa Kim, Best Direction of a Musical for Michael Smuin, Best Lighting Design for Jennifer Tipton, .

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